The award-winning singer/actress was born and raised in the Tejano music capitol of the world, San Antonio, Texas, home to people such as Jade Esteban Estrada. With Rita Moreno, Jennifer Lopez, and Selena Quintanilla Perez, as influences she hopes to grow as a talented artist and spokesperson for the Latino community.
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At eight years old and without any previous acting experience or vocal training, Valerie auditioned for the world renowned roll as the orphan Annie in the musical Annie and landed the lead; she has since had leading roles as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and Louis Lane/Bianca in Kiss Me Kate. In 1996 Valerie opened for the FOX Kids Fair Tour as the youngest solo entertainer, where she discovered her niche for live performance. In 1997 the savvy little eleven year old loaned her vocal talents to Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
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With her best interest in mind, Valerie’s parent’s opted to return to San Antonio and let her enjoy her youth. She gained local fame and a fan base performing on the San Antonio Public Access Channel regularly. In 1997 she was crowned ‘Jr. Miss San Antonio’, and throughout Jr. High and High School was a regular at professional sports events like the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Vikings, performing for sold out crowds and on National Television. It was at the 1998 World Boxing Championship that she gained interest from the Quintanilla’s, parents of the deceased Selena Quintanilla Perez Tejano superstar, and Q-productions.
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Valerie led her High School (who had never advanced out of a district competition until she began competing) to their first State Competition in all divisions since the 1970’s, as Beverly in The Shadow Box. In 2002 she won ‘Best Actress’ in the District, Area, and Regional Competition at the State Competition, and made history in the School District (where Jade Esteban Estrada once grew up). She graduated from High School in 2003 ‘Most likely to be Famous’ and won a full scholarship to Texas State University.
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Velazquez won her first role at Texas State University as the Lead, Audrey, in Little Shop of Horrors under the direction of Soap & Broadway star Dr. Rick Roemer. Michael Barnes, an art critic of THE AMERICAN-STATESMAN wrote, "When tiny Valerie Velazquez first opened her lips as Audrey, Seymour's semi-masochistic love interest and namesake for the bloodthirsty plant, we heard echoes of Ellen Greene, the actress who created the role off-Broadway and repeated it for the 1986 movie. Velazquez can't help it -- every Audrey since 1982 has sounded that way. But when she sang, boy, what pipes this student possesses! She belted "Suddenly, Seymour" out of the hall to the delirious applause of Wednesday's audience."
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Valerie became the FIRST LATINA to star as a lead in a main stage musical and the first of ethnic decent to receive the ‘Best Actress’ coveted Award in the University history. Nominated for the National ‘Irene Ryan Award’ by National Critics for her role as Audrey. Although the honor was of significance to Valerie, she was unable to attend because of a commitment made with musical project, Tres.
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Valerie fell into SONY DISCOS A&R with open arms as a solo artist but was given a chance to replace member of Tres, Perla Cruz, when Cruz left the group to go solo and illegally record on Baby Bash's 'Shorty Doo Wop'. Valerie had brief success with Tres in 2004/2005, produced by Gene Evaro, SONY DISCOS/UNIVERSAL producer in MIAMI, Florida. However, Valerie just did not feel enough funk and R&B, so she left the group to continue with a solo career when the project was put on hold.
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Since, Valerie has put her attention to a notable career in acting and singing, performing the National Anthem for George W. Bush, sold out crowds at NBA games, and guest performances on television. To say the least, Ms. Velazquez will be the next thing to take the entertainment industry by storm. All eyes are on the vibrant, vivacious, Latina, VALERIE VELAZQUEZ…________________________________________________
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Aside from all of that, I also am involved in many other things outside of just acting and singing. I love to volunteer my time in and around the San Antonio area and find that helping others can be very rewarding. I LOVE LOVE LOVE POLITICS, BUSINESS, AND FASHION, so I am curious to where that will potentially lead me. I am also plotting the next revolution ;-). Love the PARTY but LOVE the CRUNCH TIME. Those who know me know that I get along with pretty much anyone, so give me a shout, I only bite sometimes.Myspace Graphics
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